Something You Should Know About Erectile Dysfunction

July 15, 2012 0 Comments

Inflammation & Erectile Dysfunction

About 50% men aged over 40 are affected by impotence or Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Often, the condition may go untreated for many years. ED may imply serious health conditions that could lead to heart attack and stroke. Although ED is a known consequence of vascular disease, you may not know that inflammation has a negative impact on both vascular disease and impotence.

Common Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Common causes of ED include:

— Cardiovascular diseases (atherosclerosis, heart disease, high blood pressure);

— Endocrine and metabolic diseases (diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome);

— Neurologic diseases (Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease);

— Respiratory diseases (COPD, sleep apnea);

— Psychiatric conditions (depression, anxiety);

— Tobacco use, drug abuse, excessive alcohol intake;

— Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord;

— Medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihypertensive drugs, antiulcer agents).

Erectile Dysfunction And Heart Disease Share The Same Risk Factors

Researches show that ED and heart disease share the same risk factors including old age, smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, inactive lifestyle, and depression. According to a recent clinical study ED doubles the risk of heart disease, which is equal to being a moderate smoker or having an immediate family history of heart disease.

For many years, the link between ED and the risk of heart disease has been ignored by medical practitioners. Now it becomes clear that ED is an early signal of vascular disease caused by plaque building up in the arteries.

In those with type 2 diabetes, ED is a better predictor of the risk of heart disease than high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Therefore, many doctors recommend that it is critical to modify risk factors while making lifestyle changes.

Chronic Inflammation Can Lead to Vascular Damage And Erectile Dysfunction

Many studies have shown evidence that chronic inflammation plays an important role in ED:

— ED is associated with elevated circulating levels of inflammatory markers in men with or without coronary artery disease.

— The presence and severity of ED parallel with inflammatory markers and endothelial dysfunction (i.e., inability of arteries to dilate).

— Sexual Performance Score is negatively related to the increase in the circulating levels of inflammatory markers which means that the higher level of inflammation has the worse sexual performance.

— Increased oxidative stress is associated with reduced erectile performance.

— Inflammation promotes endothelial dysfunction and reduction of nitric oxide (NO), which is responsible for vascular relaxation including penile vessels.

— Chronic inflammation is the common symptom shared by ED, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome and coronary heart disease.

Erectile Dysfunction Requires Early Attention And Right Treatment

In the elderly, erectile dysfunction can be a wake-up call that you are at risk of heart attack, giving clear indications of the incidence of a heart attack up to three years in advance. With timely and appropriate treatment, you can expect ED cure and enjoy a normal life. More importantly, appropriate ED treatment may slow down plaque growing in the arteries and delay life-threatening coronary artery disease (i.e., heart disease or heart attack).

Target Inflammation For Impotence Cure

Although inflammation has been recognized as a major risk factor for ED, it has not been a part of standard procedure to treat inflammation. According to latest research, treating inflammation may improve ED as it addresses the cause rather than just the symptoms.

Anti-inflammatory approach is expected to provide the following benefits:

— Increase blood flow and oxygen supply;

— Protect vascular cells from infection, injury and stress;

— Enhance the vascular healing and repair;

— Improve vascular function;

— Restore the body’s antioxidant defense;

— Maintain normal coagulation of blood;

— Help restore the balance of nitric oxide and prostaglandins, which contributes to erectile dysfunction.

Natural Anti-inflammatory Remedies For Inflammatory Conditions And Vascular Disorders

Natural anti-inflammatory remedies are used for centuries to treat chronic inflammatory conditions and symptoms caused by vascular disorders.

A number of herbs have shown potent anti-inflammatory activities in pharmacological studies. They may offer alternative solutions to eliminate inflammatory toxins. Frequently used anti-inflammatory herbs for chronic inflammatory conditions and vascular disorders include Scute, Coptis, Turmeric, Angelica, Lovage, and Gingo biloba.

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